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  • UKAS accredited mass calibration service

    Topics:
    • Consumer affairs, 
    • Trading Standards Service

    Northern Ireland Trading Standards Service operates a mass calibration service.

    We are a United Kingdom Accreditation Service United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited calibration laboratory (No. 0338) for the calibration of mass.

    Our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation provides traceability to the SI system of units.

    You can find more information in our full UKAS Schedule.

    TypeClassMaterialWeightDescription

    Precision Weights

    OIML Class F1

    Stainless Steel

    1 mg to 25 kg

    These classes of weights are typically used in precision engineering and pharmaceutical applications.

    Test Weights

    OIML Class F2

    Stainless Steel, plated brass

    1 mg to 25 kg

    These class of weights are typically used by scale firms and businesses as the reference weights for checking the accuracy of weighing scales and platform scales used for industrial applications.

    Test Weights

    OIML Class M1

    Brass, cast Iron, Aluminium.

    1 mg to 25 kg

    These class of weights are typically used by scale firms and businesses as the reference weights for checking the accuracy of weighing scales and platform scales used for industrial applications.
    25g - 5kg Mass Comparator
    25g - 5kg Mass Comparator

    Calibration takes place in our laboratory where the environmental conditions are strictly controlled. Each item submitted for calibration is placed in the laboratory 24 hours prior to testing in order to acclimatise to these conditions. Once calibrated each item is returned with a fully traceable UKAS calibration certificate acceptable for most quality systems.

    Traceability

    E2 standard weights
    E2 standard weights

    The value of your weights will be determined by comparison through substitution weighing, with weights that can provide traceability to internationally recognised national standards. Traceability is vital for all measurement, it gives you confidence that the measurements you make are correct and will be consistent with those made in other places by other people.

    Unique identification

    For us to provide full traceability to your weights each weight needs to be uniquely identifiable. However labels and tags can interfere with the mass value. Weights are identified by marking with a permanent ink/paint or by stamping. Weights of higher accuracy have specific requirements, in these cases it is advised not to mark the weights and to mark the identity on the cases the weights are stored in.

    Adjustment

    We also offer a weight adjustment service for those weights that have fallen outside of the permitted tolerances as a result of wear and tear. This can be done on most weights for a small fee (information on current fees can be found at Calibration fee/charges).

    Calibration frequency

    20kg - 1mg mass comparator
    20kg - 1mg mass comparator

    During the period between calibrations, weights can gain or lose weight through wear and tear and damage from the environments they are used and stored in. To maintain our impartiality we cannot recommend the frequency you calibrate your weights. Customers usually determine their calibration period by either calculating a suitable period using data collected from a series of calibrations (drift) or by assigning an annual period in accordance with their own internal procedures.

    Calibration Request Form

    Trading Standards Service have created an online web-based form to replace the pdf version previously used. The new form requires an account to be created that is unique to Northern Ireland Trading Standards Service. This account will allow you to submit the request, leaving details on capacity for the required standard, the number and nominal quantity of weights, the option to request a statement of conformity and if weights require adjustment, along with requesting that the calibration date is inserted on the label and the ability to upload supporting documentation.

    By creating an account and submitting a form online, each request will be assigned a unique reference number for you to track your request. You can then log back into your account at any point to submit additional requests, view the history of previous requests, leave addition messages and provide additional supporting documentation.

    If you wish to request a Mass calibration, please submit a request form here:

    • Mass Calibration request form

    The submission of requests will not be available on bank and public holidays.

    In order to provide an efficient and effective service we require all calibrations to be booked in at least 14 days in advance.

    We will endeavour to complete calibration of your weights and have them ready for collection within 10 working days of being delivered. However, in some instances depending on the quantity and standard of weights, this may take longer.

    We will always attempt to provide you with an accurate completion date during the booking-in process.

    For terms and conditions for the calibration of weights, please see below:

    Trading Standards Service Calibration Terms and Conditions

    Contact

    Department for the Economy
    Trading Standards Service
    176 Newtownbreda Road
    Belfast
    BT8 6QS

    Telephone: 0300 123 62 62

    For calibration services, email: calibration@economy-ni.gov.uk

    Related content

    • Trading Standards Service
    • Trading Standards Service - prioritisation principles
    • Trading Standards Service Calibration Fee/Charges
    • Trading Standards Service NI - Metrology Services
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